Milwaukee has recorded 84 homicides so far this year, two fewer than the total for 2014.

One child held a sign that read, “Am I next?”

Another sign said, “Is 8 the new middle age for black males?”

“We’ve got a problem and we’re just saying we’re willing to put our hands together, our minds together, to fix the problem,” co-organizer Jermaine Reed said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Reed said after raising community awareness, he intends to create a focus group to find solutions.

“It's going to take all the political folks, church folks, educators, mental health providers,” he said.

The group joined in songs and prayer on the northwest side. They brought an empty casket along to push the message.

“We have violence tremendously in the community and violence needs to stop and if it doesn't stop then you could end up in a casket. It's just that simple,” Troy Hughes said.

People who have lost loved ones to gun violence also attended the rally Saturday. One mother said it was sad to see young people die from violence. But many said they have faith that Milwaukee can find peace.